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Firefighting operations on Matakana Island continue this afternoon.
Photos sent to SunLive from boats in the water show a helicopter with a rain bucket working to buffer hot spots along the shoreline.
A fire, which was reported to be around two hectares in size, broke out on the Panepane Point side of the island around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Fire and Emergencies New Zealand received multiple calls to the fire, as thick smoke billowed over the Mount and Tauranga areas.
The fire continued to burn this morning but was reported to be under control.
FENZ Northern Fire Communications Shift Manager Mark Richards told SunLive that a rural fire officer was on site monitoring the situation.
Throughout the day, SunLive has received reports of thick smoke blanketing the city, particularly around the Brookfield and Bureta areas.
A cloud of smoke over Brookfield this morning. Photo: Cameron Avery.
Sun Media Director Claire Rogers walked past the fire while in the water this afternoon and says there are three helicopters working in the area.
“They are working on hot spots on the coast.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known and Mark says all the bush and vegetation were on fire.
